Upon assignment of cases by consent or referral to Judge Bass Ehler, the Court will enter a minute order requiring the parties to file a joint status report. See Judge Bass Ehler’s Standing Order for Initial Status Report for the information to be included in the parties' joint initial status report.

Consistent with the scope of the consent or referral and after reviewing the joint initial status report, the Court will either set an initial status hearing or by minute order set discovery schedules, briefing schedules, and other deadlines and timetables. If the Court sets a status hearing, the lead trial counsel for each party, or an attorney with substantial familiarity with and responsibility for the case, shall appear and be prepared to discuss all aspects of the case.

A joint status report is not required in cases that are referred solely for a settlement conference, unless otherwise specifically ordered by the Court.